← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Master · v1

Master of Arts in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and Project ManagementTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Agribusiness and Non-Profit Development core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Agribusiness with a specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development is an advanced graduate degree designed to equip leaders with the technical, ethical, and organizational skills necessary to manage agricultural initiatives within the context of mission-driven, non-profit organizations. This program synthesizes modern agribusiness principles with sustainable development strategies to address complex socioeconomic and environmental challenges in global and local communities. The curriculum emphasizes the application of sustainable practices that respect environmental stewardship while promoting long-term economic viability in underserved areas.

Students in this program will engage in rigorous inquiry regarding organizational theory, supply chain management, and sustainable development. By integrating core business competencies with an intentional focus on service and community engagement, the program prepares graduates to serve as effective administrators and program directors. Through a combination of theoretical study and practical application, students are empowered to lead initiatives that honor ethical commitments and promote community transformation through resource management and agricultural development.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based agribusiness, specialization in non-profit sustainable community development-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based agribusiness, specialization in non-profit sustainable community development-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.A. in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Business and Project Management
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze global and local agricultural systems to identify opportunities for sustainable development and resource optimization.
  • Evaluate the organizational effectiveness of non-profit entities in executing community development strategies.
  • Design comprehensive project management frameworks that demonstrate stewardship of fiscal and natural resources.
  • Integrate ethical reasoning and servant leadership models into the operational practices of agribusiness organizations.
  • Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to solve complex problems in sustainable community development.
  • Develop strategic implementation plans that balance social impact with long-term financial sustainability.
  • Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders to advance the organizational mission of non-profit community services.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS501
  • Organizational Management and Ethics
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT510
  • Sustainable Agricultural Systems
  • 4
  • None
  • RES520
  • Research Methods for Community Development
  • 3
  • None
  • MIN505
  • Foundations of Servant Leadership
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS501 — Organizational Management and Ethics: Examines the principles of management, organizational structure, and ethical decision-making within non-profit contexts. Focuses on developing leadership capacities that reflect commitment to integrity and stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT510 — Sustainable Agricultural Systems: Explores the technical and environmental requirements for sustainable agricultural production and resource management. Discusses how modern agricultural techniques can align with land stewardship and environmental health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES520 — Research Methods for Community Development: Provides an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant to agricultural and community development. Focuses on data collection, analysis, and interpretation to inform organizational decisions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN505 — Foundations of Servant Leadership: Analyzes the theology and practice of servant leadership in the context of professional service. Investigates how personal spiritual formation influences administrative effectiveness and organizational culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS530
  • Financial Management for Non-Profits
  • 4
  • BUS501
  • MGT540
  • Global Supply Chain for Small Producers
  • 4
  • MGT510
  • SOC550
  • Sustainable Community Development Theory
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS560
  • Non-Profit Marketing and Stakeholder Relations
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS530 — Financial Management for Non-Profits: Covers financial planning, budgeting, and accountability in the context of non-profit agribusiness. Emphasizes the importance of financial stewardship and transparency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT540 — Global Supply Chain for Small Producers: Addresses the logistical challenges of small-scale producers operating in a global market. Focuses on distribution, equity, and market access strategies for development programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC550 — Sustainable Community Development Theory: Examines sociological frameworks for community change and sustainable development. Investigates how community-led initiatives can create lasting social and economic improvements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS560 — Non-Profit Marketing and Stakeholder Relations: Explores effective communication and marketing strategies for non-profit organizations seeking to engage stakeholders and donors. Focuses on transparent reporting and mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS610
  • Strategic Project Management
  • 4
  • BUS530
  • MGT620
  • Policy and Economic Development
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC630
  • Conflict Resolution in Community Settings
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS640
  • Advanced Stewardship and Ethics
  • 3
  • BUS501
  • BUS610 — Strategic Project Management: Provides advanced training in project management methodologies suitable for agricultural development initiatives. Focuses on planning, execution, and monitoring for maximum social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT620 — Policy and Economic Development: Investigates the role of governmental and institutional policy in shaping agricultural development outcomes. Analyzes the impact of regulations on small-scale producers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC630 — Conflict Resolution in Community Settings: Examines strategies for managing conflict within community organizations and development projects. Emphasizes mediation and reconciliatory practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS640 — Advanced Stewardship and Ethics: Deepens the engagement with ethical frameworks as they relate to resource allocation and institutional responsibility. Focuses on the integration of values into organizational mission statements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP690
  • Capstone Project
  • 6
  • All Core Courses
  • BUS650
  • Non-Profit Sustainability and Scalability
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT660
  • Advanced Topics in Agribusiness
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS670
  • Leadership Capstone Seminar
  • 2
  • None
  • CAP690 — Capstone Project: A comprehensive project involving the design and implementation of a sustainable community development program. Students demonstrate mastery of program learning outcomes through applied research and strategic management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS650 — Non-Profit Sustainability and Scalability: Analyzes the challenges of scaling successful community initiatives while maintaining financial health. Focuses on the role of partnerships and long-term organizational viability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT660 — Advanced Topics in Agribusiness: Explores emerging trends and future challenges in global agribusiness and community outreach. Encourages critical analysis of technological and social shifts in the sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS670 — Leadership Capstone Seminar: A seminar focused on the synthesis of personal character and professional leadership. Students reflect on their development and future career trajectory within the non-profit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Candidates are required to submit a statement of intent outlining their commitment to ethical service, academic transcripts, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources that can attest to the applicant's potential for graduate study and community-based leadership. Thesis or Capstone Project The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative milestone for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Agribusiness. Students are required to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive sustainable development plan for a real-world community organization, demonstrating their mastery of both agribusiness management and sustainable community development principles. This 6-credit requirement serves to synthesize previous coursework, requiring students to articulate how their proposed interventions honor principles of biblical stewardship, community engagement, and servant leadership. Students must produce a formal project report that details the research methodology, impact assessment, and the long-term feasibility of their initiatives. The project must reflect a deep integration of ethical reasoning and spiritual formation, documenting how the student navigated complex challenges through an informed, faith-based perspective. This process serves as a hallmark of academic competence and professional readiness, demonstrating the student’s ability to lead with both integrity and excellence.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must demonstrate spiritual and personal maturity through ongoing participation in community service requirements and verified engagement in institutional character development initiatives. The successful defense of the Capstone Project is mandatory for the conferral of the degree.
  • Beyond technical proficiency, students must embody the values of ethical integrity and servant leadership. The program evaluates the student’s readiness for professional practice by assessing their ability to balance the operational requirements of agribusiness with a commitment to selfless service. Completion of the degree signifies that the graduate possesses the necessary skills, moral foundation, and professional resolve to advance the mission of non-profit organizations in sustainable development contexts.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Non-Profit Program Director
  • Sustainable Agriculture Consultant
  • Community Development Project Manager
  • Agricultural Resource Coordinator
  • Non-Profit Operations Manager
  • International Relief Program Specialist
  • Social Entrepreneurship Advisor
  • Important Notices
  • The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
  • HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
  • HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
  • Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
  • The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
  • Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
  • Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
  • This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
  • Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
  • Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
  • Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
  • Degree abbreviation | M.A. in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Agribusiness and Non-Profit Development core | 27 credit hours
  • Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
  • Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
  • Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS501 | Organizational Management and Ethics | 4 | None
  • MGT510 | Sustainable Agricultural Systems | 4 | None
  • RES520 | Research Methods for Community Development | 3 | None
  • MIN505 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS530 | Financial Management for Non-Profits | 4 | BUS501
  • MGT540 | Global Supply Chain for Small Producers | 4 | MGT510
  • SOC550 | Sustainable Community Development Theory | 3 | None
  • BUS560 | Non-Profit Marketing and Stakeholder Relations | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS610 | Strategic Project Management | 4 | BUS530
  • MGT620 | Policy and Economic Development | 4 | None
  • SOC630 | Conflict Resolution in Community Settings | 3 | None
  • BUS640 | Advanced Stewardship and Ethics | 3 | BUS501
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Capstone Project | 6 | All Core Courses
  • BUS650 | Non-Profit Sustainability and Scalability | 3 | None
  • MGT660 | Advanced Topics in Agribusiness | 3 | None
  • BUS670 | Leadership Capstone Seminar | 2 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Non-Profit Program Director
  • Sustainable Agriculture Consultant
  • Community Development Project Manager
  • Agricultural Resource Coordinator
  • Non-Profit Operations Manager
  • International Relief Program Specialist
  • Social Entrepreneurship Advisor

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

Important Notices

  • The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
  • HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
  • HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
  • Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
  • The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
  • Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
  • Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
  • This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
  • Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
  • Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
  • Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
  • Degree abbreviation | M.A. in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Agribusiness and Non-Profit Development core | 27 credit hours
  • Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
  • Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
  • Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS501 | Organizational Management and Ethics | 4 | None
  • MGT510 | Sustainable Agricultural Systems | 4 | None
  • RES520 | Research Methods for Community Development | 3 | None
  • MIN505 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS530 | Financial Management for Non-Profits | 4 | BUS501
  • MGT540 | Global Supply Chain for Small Producers | 4 | MGT510
  • SOC550 | Sustainable Community Development Theory | 3 | None
  • BUS560 | Non-Profit Marketing and Stakeholder Relations | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS610 | Strategic Project Management | 4 | BUS530
  • MGT620 | Policy and Economic Development | 4 | None
  • SOC630 | Conflict Resolution in Community Settings | 3 | None
  • BUS640 | Advanced Stewardship and Ethics | 3 | BUS501
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Capstone Project | 6 | All Core Courses
  • BUS650 | Non-Profit Sustainability and Scalability | 3 | None
  • MGT660 | Advanced Topics in Agribusiness | 3 | None
  • BUS670 | Leadership Capstone Seminar | 2 | None